Apparatus for applying flexible strips to receptacles



June 14; 1938; Nip-0 6 2,120,505-

APPARATUS AfPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS T0 REOEPTACLES Filed mm; a, 1935 15Sheets-Sheet 1 a, WW

June 14, 1938. 1". H. NIFONG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIP S T0 RECEPTACLES v Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheets-Shee 2 7720mm but/Hang;

@WZW p June 14, 1938. HlNIFONG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APILYINGFLEXIBLE STRIPS TO RECEP'IA'CLES Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 14, 1938. T, NIFQQG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS 'I'O RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 14, 1938. v 1' MFONG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS '10 RECEBTACLES Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheqts-Sheet 5 June 14, 1938. Nm-QN 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6, 193515 Sheets-Sheet 6 June 14, 1938. 1' NlFONG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS T0 RECEP'IACLES Filed 06. a, 193515 sheets sheet 7 T. H. NIFONG June 14, 1938.

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS T0 RECEPTACLES Filed Dad. 6, 193515 Sheets-Sheet 8 June 14, 1938; T. H. NIFONG 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS T0 RECEPTACLES v Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 J1me 1938. 'r. H. NiFoNG 1 2,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6, 19555 '15 Sheets-Sheet 11 June 14, 1938. T. H. NIFONG APPARATUS FOR APPLYINGFLEXIBLE STRIPS T0 RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6, 1955' 15 Sheets-Sheet l2June 14, 1938. 'r. H. NIFONG I I 72,120,505

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS TO .RECEPTACLES Filed Deeps, 19351s Sheets-Sheet 1:5

Ta /so in Puhcnasifims Jnine 14, 1938.

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS 1'0 RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6,1935 15 Sheqts-Sheet 14 JIM Show;

1'. H. NIFONG 2,120,505

June 14, 1938.

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 6, 1935 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 as m C 2.22

we W

T. H. NIFI'ONG 2,120,505

Patented June 14, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE APPARATUS 'FORAPPLYING FLEXIBLE STRIPS TO RECEPTACLES Carolina "Application December6,

1935, Serial No. 53,275

36 Claims. I (Cl. 216-29) My invention relates to a method of and amachine for applying a strip, tape or the like to a can or otherreceptacle.

An important object of the invention is to provide a machine of theabove mentioned character which will apply the strip or tape to the canand its coveror lid for effecting an air tight joint between the same.

Aiurther object of the invention is to provide a machine of the abovementioned character wherein any suitable number of cans are caused tocontinuously travel and to have the strip or tape applied thereto duringsuch travel.

A further object of the invention is to provide :iroiiing means toproperly press or iron the strip or tape to the can during the travel ofthe can.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the abovementioned character which is automatic in operation and capable of rapidoperation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same,

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the same,

Figure 4 is a side elevation, upon an enlarged scale, of one operating'unit, Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 55 of Figure 4, I

Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken on lin 6-6 of Figure 4,

Figure 7 is a plan view of the "gear and locking wheel,

away,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of astrip engaging device and supportingmeans for-the same,

Figure 9 is aside elevation of thesame,

Figure 9a is a side elevation 01 a tripping cam and resetting roller foroperating the strip engaging device and cutter, 7

Figure 9b is a plan view of the same, a

Figure 10 is'a central vertical longitudinal section through theoperating, unit sh w i 1 ure 4,

Figure 11 is a plan view of the locking wheels, rack bar and track, ofthe strip engaging device, parts in section, and parts broken away,

Figure 121s an enlarged central vertical lonand associated elements,parts broken gitudinal section through the head of the pressure exertingdevice,

a Figure 13 is a perspective view of the driving means and associatedelements of the machine,

Figure 13a is a similar view of a slightly modifled form of drivingmeans,

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the can injector and associatedelements,

Figure 15 is a central vertical section through the bearing supportingthe lower end of the main vertical shaft,

Figure 16 is a side elevation of the glue pot, parts in section,

Figure 17 is a front elevation of the tape reel and supporting means,

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken on line l8--l8 of Figure 1,

Figure 19 is a horizontal section taken on line Iii-I9 of Figure 18,

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the can receiving pocket, ironingroller and associated elements, v

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the strip engaging head and can,

Fig. 22 isa perspective view of a can with sealing strip as applied bymeans of the present invention,

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the strip gripping device, showingthe movable jaw closed,

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the strip device shown elements,

Figure 27 is a plan view of the feed trough and injector, and associatedelements, with the inthe operation of the can receiving pockets and thestrip engaging device and cutter,

Figure 30 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the mode of operation ofthe machine.

In the drawings, wherein. for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 20 designates a framehaving a table top 2|. Rigidlyattached to the top 2| and extending abovethe same are posts 22 rigidly connected by a horizontal transverse beamor bar 23, as shown. The beam 23 is provided with'a bearing 24,receiving the reduced end 25 of a main vertical driving shaft 26, thelower end of which is journalled in a bearing 21, arranged beneath thetable top 2|.

The vertical shaft 26 carries a number of operating units 28, six beingshown for the purpose of illustration, although this number maybevaried, if desired.

Each operating unit embodies a radial arm 29, rigidly secured to theshaft 26, to rotate therewith. The radial arm 29 is provided at itsouter end with a bearing 38, receiving a vertical shaft 3|, equippedwith an end thrust bearing 32. The

shaft 3| is vertically arranged and is provided at its upper end with acan receiving pocket 33, rigidly secured thereto, Figure 23, to be morefully described. At its lower end, the vertical shaft 3| has a gear 34,rigidly secured thereto, and adapted to engage anddisengage a stationarysegmental rack 35. Beneath the gear 34 the shaft 3| is provided with alocking element or wheel 36, preferably formed integral with the gear34. The locking element or wheel 36 is provided with a curved recess 31to slidably engage with the outer face of a stationary track 36, asshown. The segmental rack 35 and track 38 are rigidly mounted upon thetop 2| of the table by means of brackets 39 and 40, respectively. Thesegmental rack 35 and track 38 are oppositely arranged, and combined,extend throughout a complete circle. Particular attention is called tothe fact that the segmental rack bar 35 extends for something slightlymore than 180, while the curved track 38 extends for something somewhatless than 180. If desired, the relative lengths of the elements 35 and38 may be varied, depending upon the number of times the can is to beturned when passing through the machine. At the adjacent ends of thetrack 38 and the segmental rack bar 35, is a space or gap, as clearlyshown in Figure 7. In this Figure '7, the track 38 is shown asterminating adjacent to and slightly short of the center of theassociated gear 34, while the first tooth of the segmental rack bar isspaced forwardly from the center of the gear for a substantial distanceand engages with the gear. This arrangement is necessary in order toenable the gear and segmental rack bar to mesh properly and to alsopermit of the releasing of the locking element or wheel 36 by thelocking track 38.

Each operating unit 28 further comprises a radial arm 4|, which isrigidly attached to the vertical shaft 26. The arm 4| is provided with abearing sleeve 42, rotatably receiving a sleeve 43, having a block 44preferably formed integral with its lower end. The sleeve 43 is providedwith an end thrust'bearing 45 preventing its downward displacement.Rigidly attached to the upper end of the sleeve 43 is a gear 46,arranged to engage a stationary segmental rack bar 41. Preferably formedintegral with the gear 46 and arranged beneath the same, is a lockingelement or wheel 48, having a curved recess or face 49, to engage astationary curved track 56. The rack bar 41 and .track 53 are carried byarms 5|, which are attached to a boss 52, in turn rigidly attached tothe bearing 24. The construction and arrangement of the gear 46, lockingwheel 43, rack bar 41 and track 56 are identical with that of "gear 34,locking element 36, rack bar 35 and track 33, respectively. The rackbar. 41 is arattached to the bearing sleeve 42 and, extending verticallyabove the same and provided with a guide sleeve or bearing 54, as shown.Slidably mounted within the guide sleeve 54 and within the sleeve 43 isa tube 55, having a collar 56 clamped to the upper end thereof, and thiscollar carries a depending key 51, preferably integral therewith,operating within a lcngitudinalgroove 58 formed in the guide sleeve orhearing 54. By virtue of the collar 56 and associated elements, the tube55 may move longitudinally but cannot turn uponits longitudinal axis.Rigidly attached to the tube 55, at a point beneath and spaced from thesleeve or bearing 54, is a sleeve 59, carrying an arm 60, rigidlysecured thereto. The tube 55 is forced downwardly by a compressible coilspring 6|, engaging between the sleeves 54 and 59, as shown. A roller 62is attached to the inner end of the arm 60, and is arranged to engage anelevating cam 63, Figure 1. Rotatably mounted within this tube 55 is a'rod 64 which is free to turn upon its longitudinal axis within the tube55, but cannot move longitudinally with v relation to the tube. At itsupper end, the rod 64 hasa collar 65 clamped thereon. The tube 55extends downwardly below the block 44, and this tube 55 is provided atits lower end with a flange 66, disposed opposite a flange 61, formedupon the lower end of the rotatable rod 64. An.

times free to turn upon its longitudinal axis when the can is turnedupon'its axis and the tube 55 is free to move longitudinally, but cannotturn upon its longitudinal axis with respect to the sleeve or bearing54, whereby arm 63 is maintained in its proper radial position.

Each operating unit comprises a strip or tape engaging and pressingdevice and tape cutting device, including an arm 1|, provided at itsfree end with a head 12, having a recess 13. This recess'receives aliner 14, preferably formed of rubber or other compressible or resilientmaterial, and this liner has a recess 15, correspondirig to the shape ofthe particular can to be handled, and also a groove 1.6 to receive theusual rib present at the junction of the lid and body of a can, such asa tobacco can. A sharp cutter or blade 11 is attached to the outer wallof the head 12 by screws 13 or the like, and projects outwardly beyondthe head. This blade is preferably tapered orpo'inted, as shown. Thepurpose of this blade is to cut the strip at the right time, as will bemore fully explained. The

arm 1| has its inner end rigidly attached to a opposite end, the rockshaf-t'19 has a keeper 3|,

rigidly secured thereto by means of a transverse pin 32 or the like, anda tortional coil spring 33 is mounted upon the free end of therock'shaft turn the keeper 81 and its rock shaft 19 in a direction toswing the arm 1I inwardly and downwardly when thekeeper is released. Thekeeper M has a notch providing a shoulder 81, to be engaged by the head88 of a dog 89. This dog is pivotally mounted at 90 upon block and has atail 9| extending outwardlybeyond the block. A pull coil spring 92 isattached to the dog at 93 and to the block 44, at the stud 86. Thisspring serves to move the head 88 of the dog toward the keeper.Operating in conjunction with the tail 9i of the dog of each operatingunit, as it is brought to the proper selected position, is a stationarytrip cam 94, which serves to raise the tail which depresses the head 88of the dog and releases the keeper 8|, whereby the arm 11 willautomatically swing downwardly and inwardly to bring the head 12 incontact with the can and also cause the blade 11 to cut the strip ofcellophane or the like. The keeper 8| of each successive operating unitis reset by a roller 95 carried by a stationary lug or support 96, inturn mounted upon the bearing 42. This roller 95 engages in front of thefinger 85,

' turning the keeper in a direction to return the shoulder 81 behind thehead 88. Instead of mounting a roller 95 upon each bearing or sleeve 42,for resetting the keeper 8|, as thekeeper turns with the block 44 aboutthe bearing 42, I contemplate using one roller to engage the severalkeepers 8| in succession, such roller being pivotally supported at asuitable point for this purpose. When a single roller is employed toreset the several keepers 8I, such a roller, Figure 9a, designated 95',is mounted upon a bracket 96', rigidly secured to the up-right 22.Theroller 95 resets the keeper while the tail 9I of the latch would thenbe tripped by a cam or trip element 91, carried by a bracket 98 alsosecured to the upright 22. Roller 95' is arranged at an elevation abovethe cam 91. When this construction is employed, bracket 53, Figure 10,extends circumferentially instead of radially.

Each operating unit further comprises a gripping device to engage anddisengage the strip of cellophane. This gripping device comprises ahorizontally swinging arm 91, which is rigidly secured to a sleeve 98,in turn rigidly mounted upon a vertical rock shaft 99, and this rockshaft is journalled in a vertical bearing I00, rigidly secured to thearm 29, at a pointradially outwardly of the main verticalshaft 26. Anend thrust bearing IOI is preferably arranged beneath the lower end ofthe sleeve 98. A sleeve I02 is rigidly clamped to the lower end of the'verticalrock shaft 99 and this sleeve is provided at its lower end witha radially projecting crank I03, carrying a horizontal roller I04,pivotally mounted thereon at I05. This roller engages a stationary camI06. The arm 91 is swung in one direction to bring the roller I04 inengagement with the cam I06 by means of a pull coil spring I01, one endof which is attached to a stationary pin I08 mounted upon the arm 29,and the opposite end of the spring is attached to a stud I09,

mounted upon a web IIO, integral with the arm- 91. The function of theroller I04 and cam I06 is to limit or regulate the swinging movement ofthe arm 91, as will be more fully explained. The gripping devicecomprises a gripping element including a stationary jaw II I, which issubstantially vertically arranged and carried by a bar I I-2, rigidlymounted upon the arm 91. Arranged opposite the stationary jaw III is amovable jaw H3, pivotally connected with the bar H2, at H4, and a crankH5 is rigidly secured to the jaw H3 and moves the same to opened andclosed positions. A link I I6, is pivotally connected with the crank H5,as shown at H1, and this link is generally horizontally arranged and ispivotally connected at H8 with the upper end of a vertically swingingcrank H9. This crank H9 is pivoted upon the web H0, as shown at I20.Rigidly connected with the crank H9 to move therewith, is a crank I2I,having its free end pivotally connected with a vertical link I22, asshown at I23. The vertical link I22 extends downwardly for pivotalconnection at I24 with a vertically swinging arm I25, having a rollerI26 pivotally mounted upon its free end. This roller is adapted toengage beneath a stationary cam I21, to depress the same. The cam I21 issecured to a bracket I28, in turn mounted upon the top 2! of the table.The opposite end of the arm I25 is pivoted upon a bolt or pivot I29,carried by an apertured ear I30, formed integral with the sleeve I02.The arm I25 is swung upwardly by a pull coil spring I3I, attachedthereto at I24. The upper end of the spring I3I is attached to the studI09. From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the springserves to close the movable jaw H3, while the cam I21 depresses theroller I26 to open the movable jaw.

In Figures 23a and 231), I have shown a modidevice. This means comprisesa tube I06, journalled in the bearing I00, carriedby the arm 29. Thesleeve I02 is clamped to the lower end of the fied form of the meansto'operate the gripping tube I06 and this sleeve carries the crank I03,

the tube I06. The stationary jaw III is carried by the arm 91 and. thesame pivoted jaw H3 is provided, which is moved to the closed positionby the link H6. This link is pivotally connected at I01 with the longarm of an'inverted bell crank lever I08 pivoted at I09, upon a bracketH0, carried by the arm 91. The short horizontal arm III of the bellcrank lever has a suitable pivotal connection with a head H2 clamped toa rod H3, mounted to slide within the tube I06. The head and rod aredrawn downwardly by a spring H4, and the rod is provided at its lowerend with a vertical roller H5 to engage a cam H6, which is used insteadof the cam I21. When the roller H5 engages the lower portion of the camI I6. the movable jaw II 3 closes and this jaw opens when the rollerII5' travels upon the raised portion of the cam II6. Rod 3' cannot turnwithin tube I06, as this rod is provided with a transverse key I I1,operating within elongated slots I I8 formed in sleeve 98 and tube I06.The device shown in Figure 23a hassubstantially the same mode ofoperation as the device shown in Figure 23, but is simpler.

Each unit 28 includes a rolling or ironing device to act upon the stripof cellophane after it has been applied to the-can for effecting a tightjoint. This ironing mechanism comprises a vertical roller I32,preferably covered with rubber. This roller is rotatable upon a verticalstud I33, which is fixed within a sleeve I34, rigidly mounted upon ahorizontallyswinging arm I35, preferably longitudinally curved, asshown.

arm I is rigidly mounted upon a sleeve I36, clamped to a vertical rockshaft I31, and this vertical rock shaft is journalled in a bearing I38,rigidly mounted upon the arm 29. An end thrust ball bearing I39 ispreferably arranged beneath the sleeve I36. A crank I40 is rigidlysecured to the sleeve I36 and is moved in one direction by a pull coilspring I4I, rigidly attached to the pin I08. The spring I moves theroller I32 into engagement with the can. At its lower end a crank I42 isrigidly secured to the strip of cellophane so that the same may be fed,and for regulating the tension of the same during the feeding operation.This means comprises a bracket I45 rigidly mounted upon the table top2|. clamping jaws I46, adapted to receive a vertical spindle I41 and thejaws are brought together by means of a bolt I48 or the like, forclamping engagement with the spindle to hold the same stationary.Rotatably mounted, upon this vertical stationary spindle I41 is avertical sleeve I49, embodying a spool or drum portion I50, arrangedbetween preferably resilient friction strips or arms I5I. These frictionstrips or arms are preferably lined with fibrous material, as indicatedat I52, which may be leather or the like. The rear ends of the strips orarms I5I are disposed upon opposite sides of an extension I53 of thebracket I45 and are rigidly attached thereto by a bolt I56 or the like.The opposite or' free ends of the strips I 5| are adjustably connectedby means of a bolt I51 carrying a winged nut I58, and aspring I59,preferably arranged between the ends of the strips I5I. It is obviousthat by manipulating the nut I58, the strips I5I may be drawn togetherand an increasing amount of friction applied to the spool or drumportion I50, for regulating its .tuming movement. The roll I60 of thecellophane'is adapted to be placed upon a spool I6I, to turn with thespool, and the spool embodies a supporting plate I62. The

' spool I6I has an opening or recess I63 to receive a pin I64, alsofitting in an opening I66, formed in the sleeve I49. It is thus seenthat the roll of cellophane will turn'as a unit with the sleeve I49.

Means are provided to apply an adhesive to that side of the cellophanestrip which is brought into contact with the can, such means comprisinga glue pot I66, mounted upon a pedestal I61, rigidly mounted upon thetable top 2 I. The glue pot I66 is preferably horizontally adjustableupon the pedestal I 61, and is slidably mounted thereon, and is adaptedto be brought into engagement with an adjusting screw I68, carried by abracket I69, rigidly secured to the pedestal I61. This screw hasscrew-threaded engagement with the bracket I69 and is equipped with alock nut I10,

and a set screw I1I is employed to lock the glue pot in the adjustedposition. The glue pot has a slot I12 in its upper'portion through whichoperates a rotatable glue applying wheel or element I13, and this glueapplying wheel is rigidly.

Thls bracket carries a pair of cured thereto. The glue applying elementor wheel I13 is arranged opposite a flanged flat face pulley I11,pivotally mounted upon a stud I18, carried by a pedestal I19, rigidlymounted upon the table top 2|. A laterally projecting arm I80, Figures 1and '2, is secured to the pedestal I19, andhas a guide roller I Mrotatably mounted thereon. The strip of cellophane from the roll I60passes about the guide roller I8I and then between the glueapplyingwheel I13 and roller I11 and then about another guide roller I82,mounted. upon a vertical stud I83, carried by a vertical pedestal orbracket I84, attached to the table top 2I. The strip of cellophane,after passing about the guide roller I82, is brought in contact witheach successive can, during the operation of the machine, as will beexplained.

The can feeding means comprises a horizontal trough I85, in the bottomof which is arranged the upper run of ,a continuously travelling endlessbelt I86. This belt advances the cans and may slip upon the cans,between the can feeding actions. This belt passes over a pulley I81,mounted upon a shaft I88, carried by brackets I89, which also serve tosupport the outlet end of the trough. The opposite end of theendlessbelt passes about a pulley (not shown). The numeral I designatesa trough extension receiving the cans I9I from the trough I85. At

its forward oroutlet end, the sides I92 of the trough extension are cutaway, Figures 27 and whereby the leading end of the pocket is opened,

its trailing end closed. its inner side closed, and

' ing extension I99, and at its leading end with a spring pressedpivoted gate 200, secured thereto, as shown. The gate 200 is normallyheld in the closed position by a spring .200, but will yield and open topermit of the travel of the can with thepocket, during the transferoperation, and

will serve to shift the can rearwardly with relation to the pocket sothat the can will engage the closed trailing end of the pocket. Theinjector I98 is rigidly mounted upon the upper end of a long verticallyswinging arm 20I, extending downwardly and rigidly mounted upon ahorizontal rock shaft 202, Figures 2, 3, and 13, journalled in a bearing203, carried by a bracket 204, attached to the table top 2|. A crank 205is rigidly mounted upon the rock shaft 202 and has a roller 206 mountedupon its free end and this roller is arranged to engage a rotary'cam 201having depressions 208 in its periphery. A spring 20! serves to move arm20I inwardly.

The numeral 209 designates a main horizontal drive shaft, Figures 2, 3and 13, journalled in bearings H0, and preferably equipped at its endswith hand wheels 2 so that the machine may be manually turned over, ifdesired. The shaft 70 209 is driven by a gear 2I2, rigidly mountedthereon, driven by a small gear 2 I 3, in turn driven by a motor 2,rigidly mounted upon a bracket 2I5. This bracket is secured to the frame20. A gear 2I6 is rigidly mountedupon the shaft secured to the lower endof a vertical shaft 223,

having a horizontal bevelled gear 224 rigidly secured to its upper end,and engaging the bevelled gearing I16. The vertical shaft 223 isjournalled in bearings 225 and 226, carried by pedestal I19. A bevelledgear 221 is rigidly mounted upon the horizontal. drive shaft 209 andengages a horizontal bevelled gear 228, rigidly secured to the lower endof the vertical shaft 26. The cam 201 is rigidly mounted upon the shaft209. A sprocket wheel 229 is also rigidly mounted upon the shaft 209 anddrives a sprocket chain 230, pass ing over a guide sprocket wheel 23|and engaging a sprocket wheel 232 rigidly mounted upon the shaft I88, asshown in Figure 3. The numeral 233 designates a chute to receive thecans as they are discharged from the machine, mounted upon brackets 234,fixed to. the top 2| of the table.

In Figure 1311, I have shown a modified form of the drive or gear forthe machine so that the can feeding belt I86 may be driven while theremainder of the machine is at rest. The object of this is to fill thetrough with'cans before starting the machine, but the trough may befilled manually, if desired. In order to effect a separate drive for theendless belt I86, I mount the gear 2|2 loosely upon the main drive shaft209, and provide a clutch device 209', to lock and unlock the gear 2|2to and with the shaft 209. Rotating with the gear 2|2 is a sprocketwheel 2I0' driving sprocket chain 2| I', engaging a sprocket wheel 2I2',mounted upon a countershaft 2|3'. The sprocket wheel 229 shown in FigureI3 as mounted upon the shaft 209, is mounted upon the countershaft 2I3',and the sprocket chain 230 will engage this sprocket wheel 229. It isthus seen that as soon as the motor drives the gear 2|2, the endlessbelt I86 will be driven and the machine proper will be set into actionwhen clutch 209 locks gear 2|2 to the main drive shaft 209.

The operation of the machine is as follows:

As each operating unit approaches the can receiving position, designatedat A, Figure 27, when the leading end of the pocket 33 assumes theposition indicated in Figure 27, the injector I98 is starting, or aboutto start, upon its inward travel, since the roller 206 has now reachedthe intake end of the depression 208 of the cam 201..

As the pocket 33 continues to travel forwardly toward the position shownat A, Figure 28, the injector I98 is continuing its inward movement. andis shifting the can into the pocket 33 through its open side. While thecan is being transferred into the pocket 33, the hinged spring pressedgate 200 aids in such transfer, and the gate holds the can againsttravelling movement next can is again advanced upon the bottom I93,

in advance .of the injector and engages the gate I 200. This can istherefore in position to be inserted into the next approaching pocket.When the pocket reaches the position A, as explained,

the roller 62 is still travelling upon the track 63, and this trackextends from a point 63', position E, to a point 63", slightly beyondposition A. The pressure head 69 is therefore retained elevated and willnot interfere with the passage of the can into the pocket. Further, theironing roller I32 is also held in the inner position out of contactwith the can, as the roller I43 is engaging the track I44. Also, as'thepocket reaches positionA, the gripping device is in the intermediateposition at H, between positions A and B, since roller I04 is nowengaging the raised portion of cam I06. Further, the pocket 33 is heldagainst rotation upon its axis as the locking wheel 36, is stillengaging the track 38. Also, when the pocket 33 is in position A, thehead 12 is in the raised or outer position and the movable jaw N3 of thegripping device is in the open position, Figure 24. With the severalelements in these positions, the pocket now travels from position Atoward position B. The roller 62 will shortly'pass off of the track 63lid of the can and force it firmly into the closed position and alsofirmly hold the can in the pocket. At about the time that the-roller 62passes from the track and pressure is applied to the top of the can, asexplained, the roller I04 will engage the low portion I06 of the camI06, andthe arm 91, carrying the gripping device will swingcounter-clockwise or in an opposite direction to the travel of the unit,whereby the gripping device will assume a position near the pocket andalso a position which will enable the same to grip the cellophane stripat the proper position. At about the time that the pocket assumes aposition substantially intermediate between positions A and B, the sideof the can will engage with the tape, and as soon as' this isaccomplished, the roller I26 will travel from beneath the track I21, andthe spring '|3| will raise the arm I25, and the associated elements willinstantly close the movable-jaw H3. The strip will be then clampedwithin the gripping device. As soon as .the gripping device is closed,the tail 9| passes over the cam 94 and is raised, whereby the head 88 ofthe dog is moved downwardly and the keeper 8| released, whereby thespring 83 swings the arm 1| and head 12 to the inner or lower position,and the blade 11. will cut the cellophane strip. As

the pocket travelling further from position A toward position B, passesposition B, the locking wheel 36 disengages track 38 at about the timethat gear 34 engages segmental rack bar 35. As soon asgear 34 engagesrack bar 35, the pocket is turned upon its vertical axis whiletravelling from past position B toward position C and toward theremaining positions D and E. When this same pocket has reached positionB and is passing clockwise from it, the next travelling pocket hasreached position A and is travelling toward position B and all of theoperations described at position A have occurred, and the grippingdevice of the unit at position A has gripped the tape and the tape hasbeen cut. Now when the can past position B starts to turn on itsvertical axis, the tape extends from this can to the gripping deviceofthe unit near position A, and

the turning movement of the can near position B .and the rubber cap 69will engage the top or I

